Travel Connections

Getting from Bocas del Toro to Santa Catalina is a full travel day, whichever way you go. There are two practical options:Direct shuttle: one booking, around $70, via BoqueteTwo legs with a stopover in Boquete: the more relaxed way, and Boquete is worth a night or twoEvery route starts with the water taxi from Bocas Town to Almirante on the mainland. Public buses are not a realistic option here. For all other ways to reach Santa Catalina, see How to Get to Santa Catalina.

There are four ways to get from Panama City to Santa Catalina:Shared shuttle: door-to-door, about 5–6 hours, from $60Public bus via Soná: the cheapest at $13–16, but a full travel dayRental car: 5–6.5 hours, and the most freedom once you arrivePrivate transfer: from Tocumen Airport or your hotel, good for groupsAll routes follow the Interamericana to Santiago, then turn south via Soná to the coast. Santa Catalina has no airport, only charter flights to the Lago Bay airstrip nearby.Coming from Boquete, David or Bocas del Toro? Our guide How to Get to Santa Catalina covers every route.

There are three ways to travel between Boquete and Santa Catalina:Shared shuttle: the easy option, about 4–5 hours, around $35Rental car: about 4–5 hours via Santiago and SonáPublic bus: no direct route, several changes and 9–10 hoursThe shuttle is what almost everyone uses. Coming from Panama City instead? Our guide How to Get to Santa Catalina covers every route.